From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.
Sashnee Moodley:
Transnet Engineering presented 25 fuel tanker wagons and 20 container wagons to Swaziland Railway in April. Anine Kilian tells us more.
Anine Kilian:
The wagons, which cost R35-million, were delivered ahead of schedule and formed part of an order for 90 wagons, with the remaining 45 to be delivered in May.
Transnet Engineering CEO Thamsanqa Jiyane said that TE had fast-tracked the development of prototypes for the two wagon types.
TE CEO Thamsanqa Jiyane:
Anine Kilian:
He added that TE engineers had extensive experience in rolling stock design, manufacturing and building, and together with dedicated workers on the floor, TE achieved the design of a brand new skeletal container wagon, operating on a dual braking system, as well as a fuel tanker wagon in line with Swaziland Railway’s requirements.
He noted that it usually took around three months build one prototype wagon. In this instance, however, the manufacturing and design process was completed within two weeks, which enabled TE to go into mass production immediately after the prototype was approved
Swazi Rail CEO Stephenson Ngubane said that Swaziland Railway had been worked with Transet Engineering for a long time and found that the company was constantly improving.
Swazi Rail CEO Stephenson Ngubane:
Anine Kilian:
Jiyane further noted that TE was in the process of implementing its Transnet Africa Strategy, which was intended to integrate South Africa with the Southern African Development Community through the promotion of regional rail connectivity.
TE CEO Thamsanqa Jiyane:
Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:
PPC planning to double every ten years
The target of major cement producer PPC to more than double the size of its business every ten years to retain its market share in Africa is based on the continent’s world-leading rate of urbanisation and the projection that the population of Africa will double by 2050.
PPC CEO Darryll Castle:
Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.